ISTANBUL, TURKEY - APRIL 22: The Airbus A400M type military cargo plane of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) is seen following its arrival at the Istanbul Airport to load health equipments as part of combatting against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Istanbul, Turkey on April 22, 2020. After completing loading process, the British Royal Air Force's plane took off from Istanbul Airport to go to the United Kingdom. (Photo by Isa Terli/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
The Turkish Ambassador to the UK has said his government did everything it could to organize the delivery of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the UK.
An RAF plane carrying some of the PPE landed in England on Wednesday – several days after it was due to arrive.
Ümit Yalçın said the Turkish government was only approached by the UK on Sunday to help facilitate the export of PPE, which was acquired through a commercial contract.
“When we were approached, we immediately reacted positively,” Yalçın told BBC radio.
“I can assure you that the reason for the delay is not because of the Turkish government or Turkish authorities – we have done what is necessary and we have done what we have been requested.”
